A BARROW woman has been found not guilty after being charged with causing the death of a man by careless driving.

Sharon Hammond appeared before Barrow Crown Court earlier today.

The court heard how an 81-year-old man died from a blood clot on his brain after being hit in Barrow town centre

He was taken to Furness General Hospital after the incident in Barrow and then transferred to Royal Preston Hospital, where he underwent a craniotomy for a blood clot.

His condition deteriorated and he died on January 8 as a result of his injury.

Ms Hammond, 41, of Hempland Avenue, Barrow, denied the charge, claiming she didn't see Robert Nightingale standing in the middle of the road.

The court heard from prosecution barrister Mr Jon Clause about events leading up to the pensioner's death on December 9, 2014.

He explained to the jury: "It was 4.45pm and the sun had long since set but there was ample street lighting.

Mr Nightingale was crossing the road at the junction of Cornwallis Street and Duke Street as he headed home from working at the Sea Breeze chippy.

"The Crown say that this defendant cut the corner and did not see Mr Nightingale. She hit him with her wing mirror with a glancing blow and he fell to the ground and sustained the injury. "There is no doubt over the fact the defendant was driving or that she hit Mr Nightingale. What we need to find out is was the defendant's driving careless and did it fall below what could have been expected of a competent driver."

He added that a witness, Deborah Sears, saw Mr Nightingale in the road as cars passed on both directions in front and behind him.

Mr Clause added: "She said she thought to herself 'if he isn't more careful he will be killed.' The next thing she heard a crunch and saw Mr Nightingale on the floor. "

Ryan Sharples was leaning against a window outside the Furness Building Society waiting for a bus.

He saw Mr Nightingale in the middle of the road. He said he heard him say 'Oh, come on hurry up' as a car passed.

He said a small white car driven by the defendant cut the corner and there was a loud crack and he had fallen to the ground."

Defence barrister Mr Jacob Dyer told the jury: "This was a tragic accident and her driving did not fall below that of a competent driver. "She was driving slowly and there were circumstances out of her control that conspired against her.

"He was standing on a bend in the middle of the road rather than using the nearby crossing, he was wearing dark clothing. It was dark and raining plus there was a street light that wasn't working, all causing issues with visibility. There was also the glare from the Christmas illuminations on the wet road."

Defendant's evidence

TAKING the witness stand Sharon Hammond was visibly upset and her voice was cracked with emotion.

Defence barrister Mr Jacob Dyer asked her: "It has been said that you cut the corner. Did you?

"No, I did not cut the corner, she replied.

"Did you go into the area that was marked? Asked her barrister. "No," answered Mrs Hammond.

Mr Dyer questioned: "Can you give us any assistance as to why you could not see him?"

The defendant replied: "He was obscured from my view. I looked and looked and he just wasn't there to be seen by me."

Prosecuting barrister Mr Jon Clause said: "So you're familiar with that road and its markings?" "Yes, " replied Mrs Hammond.

"And there was nothing in front of you that could have obscured your vision," asked the prosecutor.

"No," she replied.

Mr Clause asked: "So you did not see Mr Nightingale until you got out of your car."

The defendant responded: "No."

"So you can't help us by telling us where he crossed the road?" "No", replied Mrs Hammond. "So you didn't see him?" Asked Mr Clause.

Her voice shaking and holding back tears the defendant answered: "I couldn't see him. I didn't see him. I didn't know anything until the bang and I got out of my car and saw him."

The prosecutor said: "Is it fair to say that you crossed over the white markings?"

Mrs Hammond replied: "Yes, I was close to the markings but I did not enter the white lines."

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